AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

BIRDS AS SCAVENGERS OF REFUSE IN UGANDA

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1975
Authors:Pomeroy, DE
Journal:Ibis
Volume:117
Issue:1
Date Published:1975
ISBN Number:1474-919X
Keywords:Corvidae, Corvus, Corvus albus, Corvus corone, Leptoptilos, Leptoptilos crumenifer, Leptoptilos crumeniferus, Milvus migrans, Necrosyrtes monachus, Uganda
Abstract:Summary Refuse tips, abattoirs and fishing villages provide an important source of food for several species of large scavenging birds in Uganda. The most numerous are Marabou Storks, Hooded Vultures, Black Kites and Pied Crows. Estimates of the populations of these species are given for Kampala, several smaller towns in Uganda and Rwenzori National Park (where there is an important fishing industry). Crows and kites are spread widely through Kampala and the population densities of both species exceed 12 km-2 (the latter seasonally). On average there were about 200 Hooded Vultures at the Kampala abattoir and nearly as many Marabous at the refuse tips. Abattoirs and refuse tips in smaller towns often had proportionately higher populations of scavengers than Kampala. The food consumption of these birds is calculated to be nearly 100 t per year in Kampala and 800 t per year in Rwenzori National Park. It is suggested that although man, through his various activities, provides most of the food for these scavengers, they are beneficial to him in the sense that the food which they eat might otherwise become a health hazard.
URL:http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1975.tb04188.x
Short Title:Ibis
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith